CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — On Thursday, data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showed that total nonfarm jobs decreased in eight metropolitan areas and increased in four across the state. The unemployment rate increased in 10 metro areas and decreased in two for the year.
In the release, it was shown that the unemployment rates in Champaign-Urbana and Decatur increased.
In the CU, unemployment rose from 3.5% to 4.2%, while Decatur increased from 5.2% to 6.0%.
Decatur’s 0.8% increase was the joint-highest unemployment rate increase across the state, while Champaign-Urbana’s 0.7% increase was the third-highest of all metro areas. The unemployment rate increased over-the-year in 94 counties, decreased in 7 counties, and was unchanged in 1 county.